“I think I understand what you mean. Could you please explain it a little more?”
“What I hear you saying is […]. Is that right?”
“I want to make sure I understand what you’re saying. Can you please say it again?”

This is the posture of empathy. Of curiosity. Of connection.

Not of judgement, arrogance, and manipulation.

Pause. Listen. Listen again. Clarify.

Conversation isn’t you sharing something from behind your wall and me sharing something from behind mine.

It’s us meeting in the courtyard together … speaking plainly about what we bring to that space.